GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CNinsure Inc., (Nasdaq:CISG), (the "Company" or "CNinsure"), a leading independent insurance intermediary company operating in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter and first half ended June 30, 20131.

Financial Highlights for Second Quarter of 2013

Total net revenues: RMB421.3 million (US$68.6 million), representing an increase of 2.8% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Operating income: RMB0.2 million (US$31,882) representing a decrease of 98.9% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP operating income: RMB10.4 million (US$1.7 million), which excludes share-based compensation expenses, representing a decrease of 80.9% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Net income attributable to the Company's shareholders: RMB20.9 million (US$3.4 million), representing a decrease of 36.3% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's shareholders: RMB31.1 million (US$5.1 million), which excludes share-based compensation expenses, representing a decrease of 55.2% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Basic and diluted net income per ADS: RMB0.42 (US$0.07) and RMB0.42 (US$0.07), respectively, representing decreases of 36.0% and 36.2%, respectively, from the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS: RMB0.62 (US$0.10) and RMB0.62 (US$0.10), respectively, representing decreases of 55.1% and 55.2%, respectively, from the corresponding period in 2012.

Financial Highlights for First Half of 2013

Total net revenues: RMB822.6 million (US$134.0 million), representing an increase of 10.1% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Operating income: RMB1.8 million (US$0.3 million) representing a decrease of 96.8% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP operating income: RMB24.8 million (US$4.0 million), which excludes share-based compensation expenses, representing a decrease of 74.5% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Net income attributable to the Company's shareholders: RMB42.0 million (US$6.8 million), representing a decrease of 52.0% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's shareholders: RMB64.9 million (US$10.6 million), which excludes share-based compensation expenses, representing a decrease of 49.4% from the corresponding period in 2012.

Basic and diluted net income per ADS: RMB0.84 (US$0.14) and RMB0.84 (US$0.14), respectively, representing decreases of 52.1% and 51.8%, respectively, from the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS: RMB1.30 (US$0.21) and RMB1.30 (US$0.21), respectively, representing decreases of 49.2% and 49.0%, respectively, from the corresponding period in 2012.

Commenting on the second quarter financial results, Mr. Chunlin Wang, CNinsure's chief executive officer, stated, "Amid the industry trend towards the protection business, we adjusted our life insurance product strategy during the second quarter of 2013 by shifting our sales focus from participating policies to traditional protection policies which generally generates lower per policy premiums but have a higher imbedded value. This shift was one of the major reasons for the drastic decline of our first year life insurance premiums and the lower-than-expected growth of our total net revenues, although the number of new life insurance policies during the period remained flat year-over-year. Despite the negative impact on life insurance business volume in the near-term, we believe this move is conducive to enhancing the long-term sustainability of our life insurance business and prepares us well for capitalizing on the growth opportunities arising from the deregulation of prices for traditional life insurance products.

"While margins remained under pressure during the second quarter of 2013, largely as a result of rising labor costs and increased competition in the property and casualty (the "P&C") insurance market, we were excited to see the progress in the promotion and use of CNpad, which aims to enhance efficiency and reduce operating expenses for sales agents and the Company. During the second quarter of 2013, CNpad sparked growing enthusiasm with our sales agents, sales channel partners and underwriters looking for more cost-effective ways to conduct business. Pilot operations or internal testing of CNpad has been extended to a total of five provinces, and auto insurance products from 12 P&C insurance companies are now available through the system. The aggregate number of CNpad units sold exceeded 480 as of June 30, 2013, and those units contributed over RMB30 million in premiums during the second quarter of 2013.

The roll out of our comprehensive financial services strategy is also progressing well. We sold RMB240 million worth of wealth management products during the quarter, and the total number of customers who purchased wealth management products through us increased by 460 from the previous quarter."

Mr. Wang concluded, "While there remains a lot of work to do, we are optimistic that CNpad and comprehensive financial services strategy will create value for our sales agents and clients, and position us well for long-term sustainable growth."

Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2013

Total net revenues were RMB421.3 million (US$68.6 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing an increase of 2.8% from RMB409.9 million for the corresponding period in 2012, primarily due to increases in net revenues from our P&C insurance and claims adjusting business segments. The increase in the P&C business segment was mainly driven by slight increases in commission rates received from insurance underwriters, while the growth of the claims adjusting segment was mainly attributable to growth in the auto insurance-related claims adjusting business. Net revenues from commissions and fees derived from the P&C insurance, life insurance and claims adjusting businesses for the second quarter of 2013 contributed 71.4%, 14.2%, and 14.4% of the Company's total net revenues, respectively, compared to 66.1%, 21.0% and 12.9%, respectively, for the corresponding period in 2012.

Total operating costs and expenses were RMB421.1 million (US$68.6 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing an increase of 7.4% from RMB392.1 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Commissions and fees expenses were RMB313.0 million (US$51.0 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing an increase of 17.6% from RMB266.3 million for the corresponding period in 2012. The increase was primarily due to further increases in commissions paid to our P&C sales agents driven by (1) increased competition in the auto insurance market, and (2) nationwide rising labor costs.

Selling expenses were RMB24.4 million (US$4.0 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing an increase of 16.1% from RMB21.0 million for the corresponding period in 2012, primarily due to increases in travel, gasoline and office expenses mostly incurred by the claims adjusting business segment.

General and administrative expenses were RMB83.7 million (US$13.6 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing a decrease of 20.2% from RMB104.8 million for the corresponding period in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to the net effect of the following factors:

(1) a decrease of 72.2% in share-based compensation expenses, from RMB36.7 million for the second quarter of 2012 to RMB10.2 million (US$1.7 million) for the second quarter of 2013. Share-based compensation expenses for the second quarter of 2013 were mainly associated with stock options granted to certain employees in March 2012, which were recognized on an accelerated basis and such expenses are expected to decrease each year after the grant; offset by

(2) an increase of 39.2% in depreciation expense from RMB4.4 million for the second quarter of 2012 to RMB6.1 million (US$1.0 million) for the second quarter of 2013 due to the purchase of more fixed assets for our e-commerce operations during 2012.

As a result of the foregoing factors, operating income was RMB0.2 million (US$31,882) for the second quarter of 2013, representing a decrease of 98.9% from RMB17.8 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP operating income, which excludes share-based compensation expenses was RMB10.4 million (US$1.7 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing a decrease of 80.9% from RMB54.5 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Operating margin was 0.05% for the second quarter of 2013, compared with 4.4% for the corresponding period in 2012. Non-GAAP operating margin was 2.4% for the second quarter of 2013, compared with 13.4% for the corresponding period in 2012.

Interest income was RMB20.3 million (US$3.3 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing a decrease of 9.5% from RMB22.5 million for the corresponding period in 2012. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to (1) a decrease in the bank deposits as we increased short-term investments and (2) a decrease in interest rates from the corresponding period in 2012.

Income tax expense was RMB5.8 million (US$0.9 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing a decrease of 59.7% from RMB14.4 million for the corresponding period in 2012 due to the decrease in operating income. The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2013 was 24.8% compared with 33.8% for the corresponding period in 2012. The decrease in effective tax rate was mainly due to the decrease in share-based compensation expenses which are non tax-deductible.

Net income attributable to the Company's shareholders was RMB20.9 million (US$3.4 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing a decrease of 36.3% from RMB32.8 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's shareholders, which excludes share-based compensation expenses was RMB31.1 million (US$5.1 million) for the second quarter of 2013, representing a decrease of 55.2% from RMB69.5 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Net margin was 5.0% for the second quarter of 2013 compared with 8.0% for the corresponding period in 2012. Non-GAAP net margin was 7.4% for the second quarter of 2013 compared with 17.0% for the corresponding period in 2012.

Basic and diluted net income per ADS were RMB0.42 (US$0.07) and RMB0.42 (US$0.07) for the second quarter of 2013, respectively, representing decreases of 36.0% and 36.2% from RMB0.66 and RMB0.65 for the corresponding period in 2012, respectively.

Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS were RMB0.62 (US$0.10) and RMB0.62 (US$0.10) for the second quarter of 2013, respectively, representing decreases of 55.1% and 55.2% from RMB1.39 and RMB1.38 for the corresponding period in 2012, respectively.

Financial Results for the First Halfof 2013

Total net revenues were RMB822.6 million (US$134.0 million) for the first half of 2013, representing an increase of 10.1% from RMB747.3 million for the corresponding period in 2012, primarily due to increases in net revenues from our P&C insurance and claims adjusting business segments. The increase in the P&C business segment was mainly driven by slight increases in commission rates received from insurance underwriters and sales volume growth. The growth of the claims adjusting segment was mainly attributable to growth in the auto insurance-related claims adjusting business. Net revenues from commissions and fees derived from the P&C insurance, life insurance and claims adjusting businesses for the first half of 2013 contributed 71.0%, 15.3%, and 13.7% of the Company's total net revenues, respectively, compared to 66.8%, 20.3% and 12.9%, respectively, for the corresponding period in 2012.

Total operating costs and expenses were RMB820.7 million (US$133.7 million) for the first half of 2013, representing an increase of 18.8% from RMB690.8 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Commissions and fees expenses were RMB610.2 million (US$99.4 million) for the first half of 2013, representing an increase of 27.2% from RMB479.7 million for the corresponding period in 2012. The increase was primarily due to further increases in commissions paid to our P&C sales agents driven by (1) increased competition in the auto insurance market, and (2) nationwide rising labor costs.

Selling expenses were RMB44.5 million (US$7.2 million) for the first half of 2013, representing an increase of 12.1% from RMB39.7 million for the corresponding period in 2012, primarily due to growth in sales volume.

General and administrative expenses were RMB166.1 million (US$27.1 million) for the first half of 2013, representing a decrease of 3.1% from RMB171.4 million for the corresponding period in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to the net effect of the following factors:

(1) a decrease of 43.7% in share-based compensation expenses, from RMB40.8 million for the first half of 2012 to RMB23.0 million (US$3.7 million) for the first half of 2013. Share-based compensation expenses for the first half of 2013 were mainly associated with the grant of stock options in March, 2012 which were recognized on an accelerated basis and such expenses are expected to decrease each year after the grant; offset by

(2) an increase of 6.1% in payroll and social insurance expenses from RMB63.3 million for the first half of 2012 to RMB67.1 million (US$10.9 million) for the first half of 2013 primarily due to pay raises for our administrative staff; and

(3) an increase of 40.4% in depreciation expenses, from RMB8.8 million for the first half of 2012 to RMB12.3 million (US$2.0 million) for the first half of 2013, due to the purchase of more fixed assets for our e-commerce operations during 2012.

As a result of the foregoing factors, operating income was RMB1.8 million (US$0.3 million) for the first half of 2013, representing a decrease of 96.8% from RMB56.5 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP operating income, which excludes share-based compensation expenses was RMB24.8 million (US$4.0 million) for the first half of 2013, representing a decrease of 74.5% from RMB97.3 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Operating margin was 0.2% for the first half of 2013, compared with 7.6% for the corresponding period in 2012. Non-GAAP operating margin was 3.0% for the first half of 2013, compared with13.1% for the corresponding period in 2012.

Interest income was RMB41.9 million (US$6.8 million) for the first half of 2013, representing a decrease of 6.8% from RMB44.9 million for the corresponding period in 2012. The slight decrease in interest income was primarily due to (1) a decrease in the bank interest rate from the corresponding period in 2012 and (2) a decrease in the bank deposits as we increased short-term investments.

Income tax expense was RMB12.0 million (US$2.0 million) for the first half of 2013, representing a decrease of 57.2% from RMB28.1 million for the corresponding period in 2012 due to the significant decrease in operating income. The effective tax rate for the first half of 2013 was 25.8% compared with 26.9% for the corresponding period in 2012.The decrease in effective tax rate was mainly due to the decrease in share-based compensation expenses, which are non tax-deductible.

Net income attributable to the Company's shareholders was RMB42.0 million (US$6.9 million) for the first half of 2013, representing a decrease of 52.0% from RMB87.5 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's shareholders, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, was RMB64.9 million (US$10.6 million) for the first half of 2013, representing a decrease of 49.4% from RMB128.3 million for the corresponding period in 2012.

Net margin was 5.1% for the first half of 2013 compared with 11.7% for the corresponding period in 2012. Non-GAAP net margin was 7.9% for the first half of 2013, compared with 17.2% for the corresponding period in 2012.

Basic and diluted net income per ADS were RMB0.84 (US$0.14) and RMB0.84 (US$0.14) for the first half of 2013, respectively, representing decreases of 52.1% and 51.8% from RMB1.75 and RMB1.74 for the corresponding period in 2012, respectively.

Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS were RMB1.30 (US$0.21) and RMB1.30 (US$0.21) for the first half of 2013, respectively, representing decreases of 49.2% and 49.0% from RMB2.56 and RMB2.55 for the corresponding period in 2012, respectively.

As of June 30, 2013, the Company had RMB2.3 billion (US$377.3 million) in cash and cash equivalents.

Business Highlights:

As of June 30, 2013, CNinsure's distribution and service network consisted of 479 sales and services outlets operating in 27 provinces, compared with 508 sales and service outlets operating in 23 provinces as of June 30, 2012. CNinsure had 47,554 sales agents and representatives and 1,344 professional claims adjustors as of June 30, 2013, compared with 47,162 sales agents and representatives, and 1,341 professional claims adjustors as of June 30, 2012. The increase in the number of sales agents and professional claims adjustors was primarily a result of enhanced recruitment efforts during the second quarter of 2013 while the decrease in the number of sales outlets was primarily because we closed sales outlets that were less productive during the second and third quarters of 2012.

Business Outlook

CNinsure expects its total net revenues to grow by approximately 5% for the third quarter of 2013 compared with the corresponding period in 2012. This forecast reflects CNinsure's current view, which is subject to change.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss the second quarter and first half 2013 results at

Time: 9:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on August 20, 2013 or 9:00 AM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on August 21, 2013

The dial-in numbers:

United States

1-845-675-0438

United Kingdom

0800-015-9724

Canada

1-855-757-1565

Taiwan

0080-665-1951

Hong Kong

852-3051-2745

China (Mainland)

400-120-0654

Singapore & Other Areas

+65-6723-9385

A replay of the call will be available for three days by dialing the following number: + 61 2 8199 0299

CNinsure is a leading independent intermediary company operating in China. CNinsure's distribution network reaches many of China's most economically developed regions and affluent cities. The Company distributes a wide variety of property and casualty and life insurance products underwritten by domestic and foreign insurance companies operating in China, and provides insurance claims adjusting as well as other insurance-related services.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements, including the statements relating to the Company's future financial and operating results, are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward- looking statements by terminology such as "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the management's quotations and the Business Outlook section contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about CNinsure and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to CNinsure's limited operating history, especially its limited experience in selling life insurance products, its ability to attract and retain productive agents, especially entrepreneurial agents, its ability to maintain existing and develop new business relationships with insurance companies, its ability to execute its growth strategy, its ability to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment in the Chinese insurance industry, its ability to compete effectively against its competitors, quarterly variations in its operating results caused by factors beyond its control and macroeconomic conditions in China and their potential impact on the sales of insurance products. All information provided in this press release is as of August 20, 2013, and CNinsure undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although CNinsure believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by CNinsure is included in CNinsure's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the Company's consolidated financial results under GAAP, the Company also provides non-GAAP financial measures, which are adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expenses. The Company believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing the Company's performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. One limitation of using these non-GAAP financial measures is that these non-GAAP measures exclude the item that was significant in the second quarter of 2013 and the corresponding period of 2012. Another is that items such as share-based compensation expenses have been, and will continue to be, a significant recurring factor in our business.

In light of the limitations, the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. We encourage investors and other interested persons to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures" set forth at the end of this release.

1 This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi (RMB) amounts into U.S. dollars (US$) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB6.1374 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate as of June 28, 2013 in The City of New York for cable transfers of RMB as set forth in H.10 weekly statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

CNINSURE INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

As of Dec. 31, 2012

As of June 30, 2013

As of June 30, 2013

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS:

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

2,525,618

2,315,545

377,284

Restricted cash

10,871

12,050

1,963

Short term investments

600

233,900

38,111

Accounts receivable, net

196,244

218,844

35,658

Insurance premium receivables

10

749

122

Other receivables

86,565

62,272

10,146

Deferred tax assets

4,942

4,996

814

Amounts due from related parties

151,785

136,644

22,264

Other current assets

17,265

20,242

3,298

Total current assets

2,993,900

3,005,242

489,660

Non-current assets:

Property, plant, and equipment, net

94,921

81,732

13,317

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

121,333

114,500

18,656

Deferred tax assets

3,967

6,349

1,034

Investment in affiliates

168,620

179,264

29,209

Other non-current assets

18,048

16,648

2,713

Total non-current assets

406,889

398,493

64,929

Total assets

3,400,789

3,403,735

554,589

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable (including accounts payable of the consolidated variable interest entities ("VIEs") without recourse to CNinsure Inc. of RMB30,689 and RMB24,384 (US$3,973) as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively)

98,124

81,078

13,210

Insurance premium payables (including insurance premium payables of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to CNinsure Inc. of RMB202 and RMB502 (US$82) as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively)

2,941

4,160

678

Other payables and accrued expenses (including other payables and accrued expense of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to CNinsure Inc. of RMB35,000 and RMB20,850 (US$3,397) as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively)

116,124

75,275

12,265

Accrued payroll (including accrued payroll of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to CNinsure Inc. of RMB4,382 and RMB3,758 (US$612) as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively)

42,317

35,508

5,785

Income tax payable (including income tax payable of the consolidated of VIEs without recourse to CNinsure Inc. of RMB2,037 and RMB2,042 (US$333) as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively)

56,003

54,449

8,872

Amounts due to related parties (including amounts due to related parties of the consolidated of VIEs without recourse to CNinsure Inc. of RMB3,030 and RMB3,030 (US$494) as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively)

3,030

3,030

494

Total current liabilities

318,539

253,500

41,304

Non-current liabilities:

Other tax liabilities

47,589

50,060

8,157

Deferred tax liabilities

26,754

25,281

4,119

Total non-current liabilities

74,343

75,341

12,276

Total liabilities

392,882

328,841

53,580

Ordinary shares

7,624

7,624

1,242

Additional paid-in capital

2,284,906

2,307,888

376,037

Statutory reserves

178,440

178,440

29,074

Retained earnings

527,542

569,495

92,791

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(104,132)

(107,819)

(17,568)

Total CNinsure Inc. shareholders' equity

2,894,380

2,955,628

481,576

Noncontrolling interests

113,527

119,266

19,433

Total equity

3,007,907

3,074,894

501,009

Total liabilities and equity

3,400,789

3,403,735

554,589

CNINSURE INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income